Debate Over Brain-Damaged Woman's Fate Shifts to Congress
By CARL HULSE
Published: March 17, 2005
ASHINGTON, March 17 - The Republican leadership of Congress thrust itself into the politically charged case of Terry Schiavo today, pressing for federal legislation that would prevent the removal of her feeding tube on Friday. The White House indicated that President Bush would sign the measure, if it passed, but it was uncertain whether any bill would reach his desk before doctors acted.
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Democrats today blocked Senate consideration of two bills that would move the case of Ms. Schiavo, a brain-damaged Florida woman, into the federal courts. A bill passed by the House on Wednesday was a broad measure that could be applied to many such cases; the Senate measure is confined strictly to the Schiavo matter.
"Before someone is, really, not allowed to die but be put to death by action of the state courts, there ought to be a federal review of that," said Senator Mel Martinez, Republican of Florida.
At the White House, the president's chief spokesman, Scott McClellan, said the proposed legislation fell within Mr. Bush's desire to "build a culture of life."
"In instances like this case, where there are serious questions and doubts raised, the president believes that our society and our laws and our courts ought to be on the side of presumption in favor of life," said Mr. McClellan.
The president's brother, Jeb Bush, has actively tried to stop doctors from removing Ms. Schiavo's feeding tube, but the courts have turned back his efforts. The Supreme Court declined to hear a last-ditch appeal by Governor Bush last month.
Conservative Republicans have been preparing to intercede in the case for the past few weeks and the issue was finally forced by the approaching two-week Congressional recess over Easter and the pending medical action in Florida.
Lawmakers said it was very unlikely that the Senate could pass the House measure, because of its broader implications. However, the minority leader, Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, and other Democrats said they might be able to come to agreement on the Senate version.
"A woman's life is at stake and it is absolutely imperative that we take action today," said Senator Kent Conrad, Democrat of North Dakota.
But it is also uncertain that the House would go along with the Senate version. And other Democrats see the legislative maneuvering as an unwarranted federal intrusion into a matter that has been handled in the state court, with Congress acting too hastily.
"We change the nature of all these things to put this into the political arena without a hearing," said Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California.
Senator Rick Santorum, Republican of Pennsylvania, said he would block attempts of the Senate to declare a recess unless a measure passed. |
